The epilogue for Europa an Shonie's origins.
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It was Thursday now, just one more week away from their performance of the Rite of Spring.
“And by jete! It'll be so beautiful!” Europa shouted in her mind, so loud she believed that it would spring from her voice like it was trying to leap.
It was getting close to the final notes of the “Sacrificial Dance,” where the Chosen One dances to death before the Sages, and everything was doing fantastically. Mackenzie especially had truly come into her own, and Europa and the others made it a point to remind her how proud they were of her progress.
Well, save for maybe three, who would try to keep an ear open for any hint of a criticism or note from their Mistress regarding Mackenzie. All under the guise of upholding the standards set by Mistress Europa, of course. But, Mackenzie didn't let it bite her like it usually would.
15 more notes until the coda came, Europa throwing her arms up to symbolize her last few breaths before she gave her soul to the Earth and Spring itself, and with one more reach to the sky, the Chosen One fell to the ground. The Sages and the others departed, leaving their dear Chosen to be the awakening of life in their death, and another three beats, it was done.
A moderate but heart-filled applause resounded around the studio, with Europa showing front and center before Mackenzie to praise her.
“Well done, everyone. Well done!” She said jubilantly. “Oh, the audience will love you. They'll love all of you!” She added, turning to the rest of the dancers in the room.
“But I'm sure they'll know it's all thanks to you, Mistress!” Said Mesa.
“Certainly!” Added Tilly.
“Definitely!” Added Lilly.
Geez. The three harpies have gone from put-downs to kiss-ups. Different lyrics to the dame old tune the terrible twins and one pungent puss were used to dancing to.
“Now then, dears, lets take a water break, make sure our legs are limbered, and do that one more time. Okay?” Everyone dispersed to their respective corner of the studio, and Europa went over to her phone to see if she'd gotten any messages from her... hee, Owner.
“Oh goodie, she has!” Europa thought giddily.
Hey pretty pooch --- How my number one lady doing? The text read. Europa giggled under her breath and texted back.
Wonderful --- The rite of spring is going to be wonderful too once we put it on!
Cool. Are the... three spinning stooges giving you trouble?
Oh, they're grasping at straws --- But I'm not giving them a bit of a floor to dance on, if you know what I'm saying
XD Classic --- So, you on the Sacrificial Dance part? Okay, how did she know that, Europa wondered.... Lucky guess?
Yes we are --- Mackenzie is doing great --- I'm glad I decided to make her the Chosen One --- It's a magnificent thing to behold to see one of your underlings bloom like her
I bet --- No different from you with me, right? ;) Europa blushed, the fond memory of their fonder.... heehee, romp-around, coming to her. And the later ones.
Truly --- I wish you could see what I'm doing --- You'd love it
Why can't I? That's a weird question.
Because you're at the Wrench Monkey
I am? --- Golly, I'm in the wrong place then --- But I wonder what that means about where you are --- Okay, these texts are getting weirder. --- I will admit though --- You look as pretty as ever from where I'm standing
Huh? Europa squinted at the text, scrutinizing to see if she was truly reading it right. Then, another text. A photo. A selfie of Shonie, in a classic cotton-woven T-shirt, winking for the camera. With Europa facing away and looking down at her phone. Europa spun around and, there she was. The love of life, smiling a cheeky grin and waving at Europa.
“Shonie!” The Afghan practically broke into a sprint as her shoes padded across the glossy hardwood, fully intending to shamelessly leap into Shonie's beefy arms. To the surprise of all the dancers. Once she did, she wasted no effort nor time in barraging Shonie's lips with kisses, and the woman gave them back with as much enthusiasm.
“Hello to you too, pretty pooch.” Shonie said with a chuckle, effortlessly holding Europa up by her thighs as she had swung her legs around the woman's waist in the jump.
“Wh-what are you doing here/” Another kiss.
“I thought *kiss* you didn't *kiss* get off until *kisskiss* at least 6 *kiss*.”
“Usually, I don't. But the Monkey's got enough mechanics around to get the job done if one's out. Plus, I had to see you do your thing.” Shonie responded, giving Europa a kiss of her own, gently letting the Afghan down to her feet. Europa clapped her finger tips together and do a bounce on the balls of her feet, tail wagging happily. Then she noticed that Shonie hadn't come alone.
“Oh, Colby. I'm sorry I didn't see you.” She said apologetically to the little colt standing a peek behind Shonie.
“It's cool.” The colt said evenly. “You're more interested in Auntie, and you should be. You two are your Lady-Bumpers now.” Europa went red, guessing right away what the phrase meant, and Shonie slapped Colby on the arm after that remark.
“Ceecee. You don't say that word in polite company.”
“Why not? You've said it in 'polite company,' too.”
“I did that once!”
“A week.”
“Boy---”
“Shonie, Shonie, it's alright.” Europa said immediately. “I have to say, Colby, this is very different from the horsey that accused me of being some kind of snob.” Now it was Colby's turn to become a little pink as he looked away and scratched the back of his head.
“Yeah.... sorry, I shouldn't have done that. Your cool now, so... I'm, sorry.”
Europa chuckled and ruffled the colt's straw-colored mane, he likewise playfully swatting her hand away. Europa suddenly remembered that there were other people in the room, and quickly made sure the tie that was keeping her peach hair and ears in place was still secure, before she turned to address the dancers.
“Everyone, please say hello to two of my... very special friends. Shonie Duvall and Colby Coltrane.” Everyone gave their most heartfelt greeting possible, although Europa could tell Mesa, lilly, and Tilly were half-hearting underneath that face of looking... overtly sincere. Especially at her woman.
“And they were hoping they could stand by and watch the last few minutes of our rehearsal. That's alright, right?” A wave sures, of courses, and certainlys came down in total affirmation that they could. Europa did another bounce on the balls of her feet, biting her lower lip to stifle a happy titter, giving her audience of two a shoo-shoo motion to sit back and enjoy the little taste of what was to come. As she went to get the others into position, the three witch's with a glitch decided they'd give Shonie one more poisoned barb.
“You might think you're special, Miss Duvall.” Said Mesa.
“But she's just being nice to you because she thinks this is as good as you'll get it.” Said Lilly.
“If you know what's best for you, and for Mistress, you'll be wise to let her into the company of someone more her caliber.” Said Tilly, with finality. Colby bristled behind and adoptive Aunt and made a step forward to lay into all three of them. But, Shonie put her arm up to block, shaking her head at him. He backed down, but still gave them all a death glare.
“And I'm supposing you three know what's more her caliber?” Shonie asked, her voice tranquil but clearly furious.
“We know it's not oil and grease and leathery man-ladies.” Insulted Tilly.
“You know what I think? I think, y'all have tried your damndest to be a lead ballerina like Europa is, but never got it because everyone keeps seeing how much of bitch you all are so you try to act like the actual lead ballerina's confidantes to hide how insecure you all are.” The threes face throughout the whole thing shifted from indifference, to shock, to outrage, and then just plain unfiltered rage.
“You three!” Europa called out, snapping the confrontation over to her. “What's going on, why aren't you in your places?”
Lilly, Tilly, and Mesa suddenly adopted vindictive faces with grins that only sharks about to bite would wear, turning around to Europa and shifting to expressions of lambs that just heard they were heading for slaughter.
“Mistress!” Whined Mesa.
“This haggard woman is saying nasty things about us!” Complained Lilly.
“You can't allow such hatefulness in this sacred space of beauty and grace!” Declared Tilly. And frankly, to them, neither runts nor butch bitches should even be allowed past the front door.
“Grace and beauty? All I see and hear from you three is bile and gunk.” Shonie added.
“See, Mistress!” Shouted Lilly, pointing a finger at Shonie.
“She'll ruin the balance of this room!” Added Tilly.
“Maybe instead of worrying about some weird mythic balance, y'all should act more your part of an assemble instead of thinking you three and your 'Mistress' are the only ones on this stage.”
“Yeah!” Colby interjected.
“Well--” Mesa started.
“Ladies!” Europa shouted. A rarity that caught everyone of dancers off guard. “Get into your positions, now!”
The three had been cowed, never having been shouted at by their beloved Mistress. They reluctantly backed away to get into position as commanded. Not without giving one last glare at Shonie, and even one at Colby.
Now, it was time for Europa to show her rough lady-love and her adopted nephew the full-extent of her ability
/ / / / / One Rehearsal Performance later --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7pV2cX0qxs) / / / / /
Shonie and Colby were stunned. No, astounded. NO, speechless at what they'd just seen.
“My goodness. I struck gold.” Shonie thought, her mental voice as quiet and whispered as her real voice would have been. She found herself a few seconds later as she clapped as hard and loud as she could, Colby accompanying her in a nice whoop and holler for the performance. Shonie walked over to Europa's collapsed form and helped the Afghan to her feet, kissing her hand before embracing her and planting one on the kisser. Surprise for her, though, Colby actually jumped in and gave Europa a hug.
“That was amazing!” The colt told her.
“Oh, well heh-heh. Thank you.” The Afghan said back, blushing at the suddenly affectionate little colt.
“Seriously. That was incredible. I can't wait to see the final production.” Shonie told her. Nothing could ruin how good she was feeling, her pretty pooch in her arms. Nothing except---
“You should feel lucky Mistress allowed you to stay.” Said Lilly.
“Especially after what you said to us.” Added Mesa.
It almost seemed synchronized the way everyone else in the room groaned and rolled their eyes.
“Can you three let anything happen without ruining it by talking.” Shonie stated.
“We're just stating the truth, Miss Duvall.” Said Lilly.
“Not our fault if plebs like you don't get the full privilege of understanding Mistress's true beauty and form.” Stated Tilly haughtily.
“Oh trust me, Mousey, I'm well-acquainted with both those things.” Shonie stated, tightening her hold around Europa.
“Will you three please stop this. You're acting like three bratty teenage girls.” Europa stated, glaring at them. Again, they were taken aback by their Mistress's suddenly stalwart and pointed attitude.
“But... Mistress you can't seriously think that... that woman has any business speaking to us like that, do you?” Mesa begged.
“She's.. crass, she's vulgar, she's mean---” Lilly said just as desperately.
“And look at her.” Tilly said, managing to keep a better mask than the others. “Look at how she handles you. It's like watching a gorilla trying to carry away a damsel.”
Shonie glared at Tilly hard, nearing the type of look that would bore holes out of stone. Tilly gave it back just as strong... as she could manage... and the white mouse marched up into Shonie's space.
“You have no class, it's clear to me that only background you have in dance is probably twerking and pole-dancing, so you can't truly appreciate what Mistress does, and most of all---” Tilly stood on the point of her right toes, leveling her body out with the floor to create a straight line between her spine and her lifted left leg --- “you don't have the right attitude suited for Mistress's caliber.”
Europa was now the one bristling, and was about ready to just start kicking all of them for their collective rudeness. Then ---
“Okay, first off, did you not see me clapping my hands and shouting my approval for all of what just happened. Second ---” Shonie then walked over and began to adjust Tilly's pose, she of course complaining and questioning all the way, so that her lifted leg bent behind her with more of a raise to the foot --- “this is the attitude position. What you did was the arabesque position.”
Everyone in the room went wide-eyed as Shonie's assessment, Tilly dropping her stance immediately out of shock. How did a biker and motor mechanic manage to correct a near-lifetime ballet dancer on correct terminology and position?
The three of course tried to pedal back in again to attack and save their supposed dignity.
“Y-y-y-you think your clever, huh?” Tilly stammered.
“You just went to the Ballet Dancer's Glossary Guide to try and make all of us look bad.” Lilly declared.
“I think you're all doing good at doing that by yourselves.” Colby stated flatly with a lot of bite.
“You be quiet, brat!” Mesa shouted unthinkingly. Europa immediately jumped in.
“Hey, you'll not speak to Colby that way!” The Afghan declared.
“Come on, Europa,” Tilly said, which was strange as she almost never called Europa by her name. Things must have become so out of whack for them they dropped their usual naming conventions. “You can't really tell us that this, woman, is on the same level as you?”
Shonie quirked an eyebrow at Tilly. It was apparent what it is she meant by “on Europa's level.” Graceful, delicate, like a beautiful swan upon the moon-crested lake. A ballerina straight out of a sonata-strung presentation of symmetry and elegance Europa was ready again to just flat out tell the three to beat it, but Shonie decided she had a better method of putting the three in their places.
“Okay, if talking won't do it, maybe showing will be better. Colby! Get my iPhone out and play... “Nobody's Perfect” will you?” The colt nodded and did as he was told, everyone watching in puzzlement. He removed the current iPhone from the mini-speaker and hooked Shonie's in, quickly selecting the chosen song, but not hitting play yet. Shonie then took the time to unlace her boots, then her socks, along with her cargo pants to show she had workout-like shorts underneath, putting them off to the side. She then pressed all of her toes into the floor to let them pop and stretch.
The next sequence happened like this; Shonie closed her eyes, bowing her arms at side as if she was a Grecian statue holding a bowl of sacred spring water. Then she crossed her legs, right over left, pointing out opposite of the other. She took a breath, exhaling out slowly for all around to see. She opened one eye, peeking at Colby, and with a nod, the first notes of the song began to play.
What happened next, made all the dancers in the room almost fall back on their bottoms at the breathtaking display.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxgTidnhtIo (Nobody's Perfect --- Jessie J)

No one could explain what they were seeing, as it defied all of what they're training made them think was possible. Shonie, a fit and buff woman, a biker, a person who had seemed like she'd had more experience with her hands than her feet... was dancing. Not just dancing, but.... floating. Okay, she wasn't on point like many would want and expect, and her arms weren't as straight or svelte as more scoping eyes and demanding minds would like them to be. But everything she was doing seemed... right. Her legs and arms, for every kick and tilt she made, reached out and up like they were meant to be there. When she did a glissade or a jete, it really did seem like she was floating just a centimeter off the floor. Then, when she would leap at the more emotional tones of the song she picked. She was flying.
What tied it all together was the song. The lyrics told of someone struggling with a perfection complex, and regret over past transgressions. One who was confiding in a lifelong mate about, some discretion they had committed and was hoping they could find some solace in the present and overcome the past. It was one that spoke to Europa, and she had a feeling that Shonie herself felt she was tied to the message of the song, and her movements all told Europa a wordless tale of all she hoped to be. A good partner to her new pretty pooch.
In the half-minute of the song, Shonie broke into a prancing dash, directly toward Europa, taking her by the hand and pulling her into a spin as she held her Afghan Hound woman close to her from behind. On the last note, Shonie let her left arm rest across Europa's stomach as if she would safeguard her, and caressing her face with other like she was assuring her lifelong devotion in spite of former misdeeds and future ones.
Seconds later, all in the room broke out into claps and whistles, surrounding the lovebird in adoration, with a straw-colored colt moving in to envelop them both in a hug. The only people who were doing neither were two mice sisters and a cat, who's jaws were making themselves acquainted with the polished wood floor.
“Whuh---” Started Mesa.
“How---” Lilly continued.
“Did you---” Tilly added, ending their astonishment.
“Where did you learn to dance like that?” Europa said in a hushed but intense voice, looking up at Shonie like she'd just seen a miracle occur.
“Ballet lessons, like you.” Shonie stated matter-of-factly.
“Yes, but where? Who?” Europa asked insistently.
“A little studio that's a little outside my suburb, west of Woodsdale. It's an old house that looks like one of those Southern Gothic places.”
“Okay, great great, but, who's your instructor?”
Shonie shook her head in amusement, loving her little Pet.
“Viktor Palahnyuk.” She answered. Now everyone, save for Colby, dropped their jaws as if they'd become unhinged. “And yes, I'm talking about THAT Viktor Palahnyuk, same dude who trained your rotten ol' ex, and made waves back in the 60s when he was just 20.”
Somebody call the dentist and the surgeon, there's a heavy influx of people who's jaws shouldn't be hanging that low. Europa was ecstatic. To tutor under, let alone meet, Palahnyuk was the dancer's equivalent to meeting Santa Claus and Jesus.
“B-b-b-b-b-but, WAIT!!” Mesa shouted.
“How could someone like you be a student to a, a, a GOD like him!?” Tilly demanded.
“It's just not possible!!” Lilly stated, as if it the gospel truth.
“Well, when he retired, he decided to come to the states to teach it to hopefuls. He also thought that dance was too exclusive when he left it and wanted to change it.” Shonie stated with a shrug. “Particularly because he thought it had too many people like you three running the show.” She added with a lot of thorns in her voice. All of them flinched. All three looked to their Mistress, hoping to get some sympathy. They wilted when they saw there was none to be given, as it seemed Europa thought so too.
However, it did seem that the Afghan did have something to say to them, as she walked over to them. They brightened a bit, believing maybe their Mistress did mean to encourage them.
“I don't know what happened to you three to make you behave the way you do, but it's not okay.” She told them with finality. “And it never has!” They all flinch again. Mercy wasn't going to be there's, and now it seemed that Mistress hated them. With that revelation, they started to sniffle like three little girls who'd gotten their first scolding.
But, once more, they got a surprise when they felt a pair of thin arms wrap around all of them. Then, the quiet, calming voice of their Mistress spoke up.
“Now, now, come on, None of that.” Europa patted all of them on their backs and shushed them as best she could, releasing them to address them once more. “Like I said, I don't know what happened to make you three think being mean to your own assemble was okay. Or that you knew how someone else works just based on how they look. But, I do think you three have your own issues, ones that have made you like this.”
She lifted all of their chins up so that they could look at directly in the eyes.
“So, if you three are still interested in staying in this company, and becoming better people... I'd like to be able to know all of you a little better. Talk to me, tell me what you're thinking. And for crying out loud! Be kind and be open.” Europa paused to wait for a response. After the three of them took a minute to look one another over, like they silently communicating a telephone message, they just looked up at Europa.
“Alright.” They all said individually, subdued. But, oddly, emboldened.
“Good. Now, let's get undressed and go home.” She turned around to call the rest of the room. “I'll see you all tomorrow at noon! And remember, dears. You're all beautiful!”
Everyone said their goodbyes and filed out. Mackenzie stayed behind to talk to Europa for a second.
“Hey, Miss Danton. Are you sure about what you said to them? How do you know they'll even try to get better?” She asked, justifiably skeptical.
“I just have a feeling.” Europa said. “Besides, I've found that being dodgy lands you in a world of issues.” She then looked over at Shonie, who was wearing a proud smirk on her face, for her pretty pooch.
“Besides,” she added. “I've also discovered that you can't control what others will do. But you can control how you deal with it. And being honest and straightforward can make that easier.” Mackenzie didn't look convinced enough, considering all those past times those mice and that cat weren't... flattering towards her. Then, happening of happenings---
“Hey, um, Mackenize?” Tilly called out. The dog-girl turned around and saw that the three defeated hangers-on were also sticking around like she had.
“Uh, well... you, you...” Lilly started, not looking Mackenzie in the eyes.
“We.... you're, you're not.... a bad dancer.” Mesa finished for them all. Mackenzie eyes went wide and so did Europa's. The three stood in place for another few seconds, finding other things in the studio more more interesting than the remaining people to look at. Then, they made their departure out the door, leaving Mackenzie flabbergasted and Europa quirking an eyebrow and a grin.
“That was... almost an apology.” Europa stated.
“Yeah. I know.” Mackenzie added. She gave Europa one more goodbye, and left the Afghan alone with her Shonie and Colby. She walked over to them and planted another smooch on her buff babe.
“Maybe You could invite those three to one of your lessons sometime?” Europa suggested. “Get them to see a broader picture of dance.”
“That could work.” Shonie said back, kissing Europa back. “Of course, it could also make them worse to see so many ballerina's that don't fit the 'normal standard'.” She added jokingly.
“But, who knows. Can't control what people do, right?” The both collided their kissers again. “So, pretty pooch, what you thinking for this evening? Dinner? A date? A seat on the couch with a movie? Early dessert?” Europa giggled and began to sway her hips with her tail.
“Uh, not interrupt,” Colby interjected, pulling Europa and Shonie out their lovey-dovey hubba before it turned into hanky-panky woo-woo. “I'm still right here.”
“Oh! Sorry, Colby.” Europa apologized, Shonie laughing. “I didn't mean to ignore you.”
Shonie then pulled Colby over and gave him and her Pet her best one arm hug, crushing them both into her sides. They all chuckled and her two captors tried as hard as she was to hug her back.
Europa and Shonie later decided that a movie plus some non-buttered popcorn on the couch was the best thing for the evening. As for proposed dessert, Europa decided she'd like to just cuddle. In the nude, though.
Eeyup. Things had happened the way Europa had envisioned. Just like how Maxine described it.

END